Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland located behind the stomach and close to the upper part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine through a tube called the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help digest the fats, proteins and carbohydrates in food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body use the glucose it derives from food for energy.

When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the digestive enzymes attack the tissue that produces them. This can lead to tissue damage and bleeding as well as causing the pancreas blood cells and blood vessels to swell.

Pancreatitis has two stages — acute and chronic. Most cases of acute pancreatitis are mild and involve a short hospital stay for the pancreas to recover completely. Chronic pancreatitis is a much more persistent condition that occurs more often in men than women. This condition may increase your chances for developing pancreatic cancer.

UCSF Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in the world offering an advanced procedure known as an islet autotransplant, coupled with a pancreatectomy, to patients with severe chronic pancreatitis. This innovative procedure is the first of its kind; it helps alleviate the pain caused by chronic pancreatitis, while preserving a patients ability to secrete insulin and reducing their risk of developing surgically-induced diabetes.

Both types of pancreatitis can cause serious complications. In severe cases, bleeding, tissue damage, infection and cysts may develop. In addition, enzymes and toxins also may enter the bloodstream, injuring the heart, lungs, kidneys or other organs.

At UCSF Medical Center, experts treat acute and chronic pancreatitis with diet, medications and in some cases surgery.

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 14, 2008